ARLINGTON -- Manager Brad Ausmus is throwing his support behind the campaign to help Ian Kinsler gain some All-Star votes in the race for the starting job at second base for the American League.

To Ausmus, Kinsler's performance is worthy of an All-Star spot.

"Absolutely, no question," Ausmus said.

Kinsler entered the week trailing Seattle's Robinson Cano by just under 670,000 votes. Voting runs through Thursday, July 3, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Some of that encouragement was a vote of support for All-Star consideration. Some of it, too, was a good word for Kinsler and his impact on the local media upon his return to Texas.

"I played against Kins, and I always knew he was a good player," Ausmus said, "but I didn't know the guy. And he has been a breath of fresh air. I've really enjoyed having him around. He's a blue-collar player. He's a baseball rat. He loves the little things in the game that can help the team win, steal a base, get a hit or make a play. He's been great."